Description

Between 2012 and June 2021, Belgian Bankers Academy, commissioned by House of Training, Financial Technology Transfer Agency, delivered a comprehensive capacity-building programme for financial institutions across several regions, including Southeast Asia and Europe. The objective was to equip banking decision-makers and high-potential staff with operational and strategic tools to manage financial institutions effectively and support SME finance.

1. Computer-Based Banking Simulation Programme

•  Context: a competitive environment of full-service virtual banks, with quarterly decisions on loans, deposits, investments and market operations.

• Tools developed by BBA:

  • BankSim, overall financial management

  • CredSim & CredStrat, credit risk management

  • BranchSim, branch performance

• Method:

  • Management teams submit a decision form

  • Automated calculation of results and generation of reports, including pie charts and heat maps

  • Group debriefings to identify lessons learned and good practices

2. Financial Institution Management Training Modules

• Risk management: liquidity, credit and off-balance-sheet risks

• Distribution and business lines: distribution channels, private banking and investment banking

• Products and compliance: savings, certificates of deposit and Basel I, II and III standards

• Delivery methods: face-to-face workshops, virtual sessions through a web platform and practical case studies

3. SME Finance Modules

• Key concepts and SME credit strategy

• Adapted marketing and commercial approach

• Credit scoring and rating tools

• Business plan analysis and financial projections

• Default management, including the identification of non-performing loans and remedial action

4. Knowledge Transfer and Sustainability

• Training of trainers: use of the simulators and facilitation of sessions

• Customisation: adaptation of content and translation of training materials

• Licences and support: provision of internal user licences and software maintenance

• Deliverables: user guides, simulation manuals, assessment questionnaires and summary reports

Impact

• More than 1,000 managers trained through 15 partner training institutions

• Sustainable adoption of BBA simulations for internal bank training

• Strengthened decision-making and operational capabilities, with measurable improvements in performance indicators, including profitability, credit processing times and portfolio quality

This integrated approach enabled participating institutions to strengthen their management processes, reduce credit risks and improve SME access to finance.

BBA’s Role

• Instructional design

  – Development and configuration of banking simulators, including BankSim, CredSim, CredStrat and BranchSim, adapted to local market conditions

  – Development of training modules, practical cases and supporting materials, including presentations, manuals and e-learning guides

• Facilitation and delivery

  – Delivery of face-to-face and remote sessions, including webinars

  – Facilitation of simulation workshops, including objective-setting, team briefings and debriefings, and coaching on decision-making

• Knowledge transfer

  – Training of internal trainers through Train-the-Trainer programmes to ensure the autonomy of partner institutions

  – Provision of training kits, scenario templates and monitoring checklists

• Monitoring and evaluation

  – Definition of performance indicators, including portfolio quality, credit processing times and profitability indicators

  – Analysis of simulation results and preparation of detailed reports with operational recommendations

• Support and maintenance

  – Provision of licences and technical assistance for the continued use of the simulators

  – Regular updates of content and regulatory adaptations

This integrated approach enabled participants to move from theoretical understanding to practical mastery of banking processes and SME finance, while supporting the sustainable continuation of simulation programmes within partner institutions.